Lot 6060

Auburn Fall 2020

1961 Chrysler 300-G Convertible

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$135,300 USD | Sold

United States | Auburn, Indiana

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Chassis No.
8413158814
Body No.
845
  • Among the most exciting American performance cars of its era
  • One of only 337 convertibles produced
  • Rare factory air conditioning
  • Genuine wire wheels; includes original steel wheels with covers

The seventh edition of Chrysler’s fabled “Letter Car” series, the 1961 300-G marked the final, pure expression of Virgil Exner’s “Forward Look” and continued to represent perhaps the ultimate American automotive design and engineering statement of its era. Stylistic revisions for 1961 included canted quad headlamps, following an industry trend, and a revised rear-end treatment. Most importantly, this was still an exceptional performance machine. According to a test by Car Life, the 375-bhp, 413-cu. in. wedge-head V-8 with its tuned dual cross ram intake could propel the 300-G from rest to 60 mph in just over eight seconds – remarkable for a large American car of the period.

“Letter Cars” were always costly and limited in production, hence the frequent nickname of the “banker’s hot rod.” In 1961 just 337 300-G convertibles were built, and estimates are that only around 120 remain in existence worldwide.

The example offered here is finished in Mardi Gras Red, one of the most desirable factory colors, and equipped with rare factory air conditioning. In addition, it features a set of genuine Chrysler chrome wire wheels that truly add even further pizzazz to its already dramatic lines. For the purist, the original steel wheels and their covers will accompany the car. Its paintwork is beautiful, as is the tan leather interior with its sporting bucket seats facing the spectacular Astra-dome dashboard. Well-kept in its current ownership by a noted enthusiast, with service records on file, it remains one of the nicest examples of its kind to be found.

Make no mistake, the 300-G is still one of the kings of the American road....and as a convertible in Mardi Gras Red, with factory air conditioning, especially so!